Pictured above from left to right: Helena Vega-Lozano, RDA UK Chair of Trustees, Greta Duff, Long serving volunteer & 55th Anniversary Over & Above Award Recipient and Malcolm Wharton CBE – Chard & District Group Chair.

As part of our 55th Anniversary celebrations, we are excited to introduce the limited-edition 55th Anniversary Over and Above Award. This special recognition honors volunteers who have exceeded expectations to make a positive impact on individuals, their group, or the wider RDA community. Whether through innovative thinking, offering invaluable support during challenging times, or going the extra mile, these volunteers embody RDA’s core values of selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission.

On August 28th, during Chard and District RDA’s 40th Anniversary celebration, Helena Vega-Lozano, RDA UK Chair of Trustees, proudly presented the first-ever 55th Anniversary Over and Above Certificate to Greta Duff, an outstanding volunteer who has been a key figure in the group’s success for over 35 years.

Greta’s involvement with Chard and District RDA began 40 years ago, when she initially loaned ponies to the group. Since 1989, Greta has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing to numerous capacities—from organising Thursday night volunteer sessions to serving as a committee member and currently as a Director. The group Chair, Malcolm Wharton CBE, says “Greta’s contributions to the group are immeasurable; she has been the heartbeat of the group,” Greta also serves as Rides Organiser, as well as playing a key role in fundraising, sourcing riders, volunteers, and organising thank-you events.

 In receiving the award Greta said

“I am greatly honoured to receive this award. Our celebration tea party highlighted the strength of support and goodwill we enjoy as a group. It was very pleasing to see friends who have supported us from the very first meeting.

My daughter was one of our riders for many years and then went on to the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy. We are aware of the magic of ponies, and how just a short time with them in a session can change lives and give so much pleasure.

We had to rebuild and restart the group after lock down and it is thanks to the support of friends, past volunteers, and Malcolm, who became our Chair, that we overcame initial challenges and are starting to secure the future of our group. A huge thankyou to everyone.”

 Greta’s commitment and dedication to the group over the past four decades perfectly exemplify the spirit of the 55th Anniversary Over and Above Award, making her a well-deserved recipient of this recognition.

A limited number of certificates are available until the end of the year, and the award is open to all volunteers – whether at the group, county, regional, or national level. This award focuses on the impact made rather than length of service.

The 55th Anniversary Over and Above certificates are available to order through group orders website now – click here.